In Search of the "Good Guy" - Guy of Gisborne in "For England" - Part I

Introduction:

Richard Armitage’s Guy of Gisborne …... you only have to carry out an internet search to find him listed on Wikipedia, youtube, and fanfic sites. When I started out in the RA fandom in 2007, he was the Number 1 favourite character on the forums and discussion boards. Fans of his were called "Guy Shippers", and "Guy Gushers". I, however, had not managed to view Robin Hood past Series 1 as I had been underwhelmed by the Guy scene. (Give me Harry Kennedy or John Thornton anyday). The Guy supporters however begged me to persist in looking at Series two. They pleaded Guy’s case by stating that he had a “good” side to him. After adding up 12 killings in approximately three episodes (not to forget the abandonment of his baby in the forest), I could not really see the positive side to him. He most certainly had the looks … were these ladies simply seduced by a handsome face and well built body? (Evidence: See photo below). What did they discover beneath the looks that I could not? Eventually, curiosity got the better of me and I began my journey in search of the “good” Guy. 

Recently, I re-read my last post on “Ducking and Diving”, (written before the appearance of Thorin Oakenshield), to discover that I had softened a little towards Guy …. That was at the time Series 3 was airing over here. I have however had some “cooling off” time, so I have now therefore watched “For England” from a fresh viewpoint. My viewing however has been coloured, I confess, by a slight sense of nostalgia for the past, so perhaps I may be tempted to be a little kinder about Guy than before ….. we shall see …..

I must quickly add that all credit is due to Richard Armitage for creating a character who still, after four years, can evoke a good discussion. He has, however, been a source of time wasting in this household, (as evidenced in the numerous posts I have written about him, not to mention the screencaps I have made, and the fanfics I have devoured), for which I'm not so sure I should be grateful to Mr Armitage!

 On to the Episode ….. "For England" 

In to the first scene … Guy and Vasey are on top of the battlements of Nottingham Castle with Vasey’s scribe. To guarantee the scribe’s silence, Vasey throws him over the battlements. Guy watches unpertubed. Strike one for Guy’s “likability”, I'm afraid!

In the next scene with Marian however, we see a different Guy. He is trying to convince Marian to accompany him to the King’s birthday celebrations (supposedly). Marian sees right through him and easily extracts the information that an important document is to be signed … one that will give him power (and that, he hopes, will win him Marian). 

"What are these in aid of Sir Guy?"

GUY: "I was wondering if you would accompany me to the celebrations today?"

Marian is suspicious .. "What are we really celebrating?" (When Marian hears that the celebrations are related to the signing of a document, she tells Guy she has a feeling she won’t approve).

“Well Marian, you should approve because this document brings me closer to real power!”

“And that in turn benefits … could ... benefit you”

As if power will win Marian over!!! (Poor misguided Guy – seduced by power, always feeling he isn’t good enough I suspect). Marian couldn’t give a toss….. but I think she looks uncomfortable with his proximity, and also a little calculating, as it is clear she senses an opportunity to learn more information from Guy.

MARIAN: "Am I so easily won?"

GUY: "You must be the least easily won woman in England!"

That must be one of my favourite lines so far from Guy! What I would like to say to him is: “For heaven's sake, Guy, cut your losses and look for someone who cares ….!!" Surely there are other women of good birth in the broad vicinity of Nottingham who would be keen for the power and riches he is trying to accrue and who would be happy to bed, wed, such a handsome husband? But having written this, and upon reflection, I really don’t think Guy wants a “trophy wife” - he has not yet come to the realisation that perhaps he would be happy to give up power and wealth just to win Marian's affection. The trouble is that he thinks that power and wealth will make him more attractive to her. What a quagmire this relationship is  ….. the viewer can see that it is going to end in tears for Guy at this point in time.

As for Marian, does he disgust her, or is she just a little bit attracted to him? (After all, he is a good sort in the looks department).

In the next sentence however, Guy let’s his frustration known as Marian procrastinates a little longer over his invitation.

“Choose a dress!!”  (He has a temper Marian, never forget it!).

He exits the room angrily. This is actually an important exchange, as we later find him feeling a little chastened after his outburst.

As a member of the sceptical audience, (and as I mention above), at this point in time I remained unconvinced that Guy had any intention other than to “possess” Marian. (Excuse me for stealing an expression from John Thornton).  He wants to add her to his conquests, and I can't help wondering what he would have been like as a husband if he had married her earlier...... (A discussion point, perhaps?).

Reflection over, as I will quite possibly answer my own question as I continue on with this episode …..

 

We leave Marian at this point in order to focus a little on one of my other favourite characters in the Series - namely Allan. Allan, if you recall, was forced by Guy into betraying Robin. He attempts to make amends, but is caught by the gang looking for his "blood" money and any hope for understanding and forgiveness is lost. Allan therefore has no choice but to search out Guy.

ALLAN: “Not being funny ….. your guards are useless!” (Guy’s guards are lying around drunk)

Guy has returned to Locksley to ….er…. change his clothes in preparation for the celebrations at the castle. Allan is waiting for him and manages to get himself a job as Guy’s servant. I actually thought this was a reasonably decent gesture of Guy’s but I had two questions when viewing this scene:

1)    How far is Locksley from the castle?

2)    What does this scene say about Guy’s personal hygiene habits ….. he rides all the way home just to change his shirt???? Naturally this allows for a gratuitous view of Guy without shirt, but surely a bath would have been better?

ALLAN: "You need smarter people on your team….."

GUY: “Oh, and that’s you is it? Don’t insult me!” (Marian or other ladies of Nottinghamshire .... where are you??)

ALLAN: "Alright, I need your help"

ALLAN: “I lost everything to help you, so you owe me”

GUY: “I owe you nothing!”

ALLAN: "Nice... where are you off to, then?"

Despite Guy's less than conciliatory demeanour here, he capitulates and tells Allan to ask his servants for a meal and to get himself cleaned up. It’s an interesting change in Guy …. Maybe it’s because I like Allan - I found this leniency in Guy a nice gesture.

Back in the castle:

Robin appears in Marian’s chambers just after Guy leaves them in his bad mood. Marian does not appear to be entirely pleased to see him initially I thought, but she is soon helping Robin gain entry to the room holding the secret document, Guy told her about. (I quite liked Robin’s cheekiness in this scene as he plots with Marian).

ROBIN: “Trust me, I’ve done this before”

 The trouble is that Robin reminds me of a cheeky, careless boy who is in love with adventure, whereas Guy, for all his ignorance in dealing with Marian, appears far more grown up and worldly wise, despite his violent streak. (It’s a little easier to forget that Robin is also a killer despite his boyishness and love of being a hero).

Robin and Marian discover the document as follows:

“Looks like the Sheriff has made some new friends”

Document: “The great pact of Nottingham”

“We the undersigned by the affixing of the seals of our office and nobility hereby undertake to remove King Richard from the throne. By his lasting absence from these shores he has demonstrated a scant disregard for the welfare of his subjects, We further undertake to replace the said Richard with his brother John Prince of the Realm”.

 

Robin and Marian are staunch supporters of King Richard. (It’s interesting to note here that Prince John did actually become King upon Richard’s death). Robin vows to put a stop to what he considers a treasonous act. He and Marian note that Lord Winchester, an old friend of Marian’s father is  to come to Nottingham to take part in the signing of the document. Both Robin and Marian believe he has not grasped the full implications of signing the document, and that he can be persuaded to discourage other peers not to sign also. He manages to waylay Winchester’s carriage on the way to Nottingham and informs him of the treasonous act he is unwittingly (or so Robin thinks) taking part in.

As Winchester arrives at the castle, Marian joins Guy as part of the welcoming party. Marian apologises for her ingratitude earlier (ingratiating herself) but Guy concedes that he was “overbearing”!!!That was unexpected, and Guy has now been responsible for two acts of niceness in this episode).

MARIAN: “I was ungrateful earlier … sorry”

GUY: “I was overbearing” (A perceptive gentlemen …lol. More reminders of JT)

As Winchester arrives, he is momentarily distracted by the vision of Marian at the top of the stairs. Love Guy’s expression here …..

Meanwhile Robin and gang decide to gain entry into the castle by masquerading as minstrels for the night’s celebrations. By doing so, they can support Robin in his mission to prevent the signing of the document.

Will has made some very clever instruments to disguise the weapons (see episode for further detail … I know … this is a bit of a cheat, but I had to cut something out in order to fit more Guy in).

Allan has now arrived at the castle resplendent in a new outfit much to Guy’s amusement ......

GUY: “I suppose you want me to introduce you to the Sheriff now, do you?”

I hope we see more of the Guy/Allan team.

Winchester then reveals whose side he is really on ….

WINCHESTER to EDWARD KNIGHTON: “Trust? I trust no one. You taught me that as you stole the woman I loved” So now we have the truth – Winchester was in love with Marian’s mother. The plot thickens and his plans are revealed. “If I couldn’t have the Mother, I can have the daughter”

WINCHESTER: “What do you know of a messenger sent by Robin Hood to the King?”

GUY: “Don’t worry about him – he got lost en route” ….Just as I was thinking Guy was about to show his good side. (Killing this episode #2 … although the first was perpetrated by the Sheriff, Guy showed no remorse).

Winchester then decides to make a deal with Vasey in return for signing the document. He wants Sussex, some of Surrey, and Edward Knighton’s daughter Marian. Guy is suitably incensed.

The Sheriff needless to say is unmoved by Guy’s distress at the deal – he is more furious about losing Sussex.

“Find me someone to hang. I have lost Sussex and all you can do is blather about a girl!”

Allan at that time makes the mistake of walking in  and Vasey immediately wants him hanged. Guy, to do him credit, tries to stop it.

GUY: “This man works for me!”

This is the half way point of the episode and I therefore had to divide this post in half as it was so long. I generally conclude each "Good Guy" post with a run down on who is most "likeable" in each episode. The goal is for me to eventually see eye to eye with the Guy fans and rank Guy as #No. 1 in the "Likeability stakes" (He still has a bit of work to do). As I have not finished the episode (and there is a lot more Guy to come in it), I will conclude Part 1 of this post with a brief "Guy Tally".

Tally for Guy to date:

Reasonably “good” acts:

#1. Employs Allan – feeds and clothes him.

#2. Conceded to Marian that he has acted in an “Overbearing” manner.

#3. Tries to defend Allan when the Sheriff threatens to hang him.

Reasonably awful acts:

#1. Shows no remorse at Vasey throwing his scribe over the battlements.

#2. Shows no remorse at the death of Robin’s messenger.

Jury’s out on the following:

#1. His treasonable act in being party to the signing of the Nottingham Act. I guess the perception of good/bad depends on what side of the political spectrum you are on …… (but then, I'm imposing my 21st C political belief system on to a feudal/medieval system).

#2. What kind of husband he would make. Demanding or thoughtful? Would he expect her to be submissive and obedient?

To be continued.........

MTA: Guy fans .... I could have mentioned in Guy's favour that his looks are a positive attribute .... but it's the "inner man" that counts.